NEW YORK -- New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement today that "justice was served" by the guilty verdict against former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Silver, a Democrat, was found guilty today of all seven counts against him, including fraud, extortion and money laundering. He stood accused of accepting nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks.

Also a Democrat, Cuomo said, "Today, justice was served. Corruption was discovered, investigated, and prosecuted, and the jury has spoken. With the allegations proven, it is time for the Legislature to take seriously the need for reform. There will be zero tolerance for the violation of the public trust in New York."

Former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, a Republican, was on hand for the guilty verdict. Skelos is currently on trial for corruption, himself.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

ENP STAFF REPORTSnews@eastniagarapost.com
Lockport area gas prices have dropped another six cents in the last 14 days, according to AAA East Central’s weekly Fuel Gauge report. The average price of self-serve regular unleaded gasoline, based on reports from 22 stations in the Lockport area, is 2.26, down from $2.32 last week and $3.20 this time last year. The national average is $2.04.

Drivers this year paid the lowest gas prices for Thanksgiving since 2008, and the national average has now fallen for 24 straight days. Today’s average price of $2.04 per gallon is within fractions of a penny of the multi-year low reached this January, and the national average remains poised to fall below the $2 per gallon benchmark by Christmas. Gas prices are down three cents per gallon for the week, 14 cents over the last month and 74 cents compared to a year ago.

The national average has dropped for 24 of the past 30 days, largely due to the resolution of unplanned and planned refinery maintenance. The latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration points to rising refinery runs and output reaching its highest rates since September. Demand for gasoline typically declines during the winter months and the gasoline market may become even more oversupplied in the near term, which should keep gas prices relatively low. Barring any unanticipated disruptions in supply, or swings in the price of crude oil, retail averages are expected to continue to fall leading into 2016.

Oversupply and a strengthening U.S. dollar continue to impact global oil markets, keeping downward pressure on the price of crude oil. Geopolitical tensions between Russia and Turkey have yet to lead to any sustained increases in prices, and early reports indicate that tensions between the two countries will have little impact on production in the Middle East. OPEC is scheduled to meet this Friday, and analysts expect that the cartel is unlikely to reduce production despite the relatively low price of crude oil.

Domestic crude oil inventories remain elevated compared to previous years, and talks are now shifting toward the potential impacts of a surplus in gasoline inventories. West Texas Intermediate opened this week’s formal trading posting gains after closing out Friday’s formal trading session on the NYMEX down $1.33, settling at $41.71 per barrel. Motorists can find current gas prices along their route with the free AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- A 51-year-old Rapids man was charged Nov. 23 with driving without a license following a traffic stop on Nov. 23.

According to the Niagara County Sheriff's Office, Walter S. Simpson was stopped while driving northbound on the William Gregory Bypass for not displaying a front plate on his vehicle. A DMV check showed that he had his driving license suspended on Nov. 8.

He was charged and taken to Niagara County Jail where he was held on $250 bail. He is due in Town of Lockport Court on Jan. 16.

I wanted to do one more non-Christmas classic before we dive into four straight weeks of Christmas reviews and the movie I chose is Steel Magnolias. Yeah, yeah, I know. Chick flick, right? Except that this chick flick is one that all guys should give a chance because the chicks in this flick are harder edge than most guys in those adventure movies, and the story here is extremely compelling.

I found myself, one day many years ago, sitting on my couch (back when I had a couch) wondering what I should watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I caught the very beginning of this movie that had a very funny exchange between Tom Skerritt and Shirley MacLaine. I didn’t really pay attention to the movie title as I was flipping around and did not find out it was Steel Magnolias until the next commercial break. I have to admit, I was hooked and I could not stop watching.

It didn’t take me long to realize what the target market was for this movie, but none of that really mattered. There were so many funny little jokes running through the movie that worked so well that I couldn’t stop watching. But the one thing that really drags you into this movie is how it ratchets up the emotion until it gets to the emotional pinnacle towards the end. The whole movie is geared around how this group of lifelong friends handles the emotional peak in this movie, and it is done so well. The comedy intertwined within the pain is just perfect, and I have watched the movie several times since that first viewing . . . I am proud to say.

The other element of this movie that dragged me in is the way it celebrates small town life. Being a small town guy, I am always partial to movies that glorify the beauties of living in a small town. Back when I first saw this movie, Lockport was still the small town I wanted it to be. For a couple of decades, we lost our way and lost touch with each other. Maybe it is the resurgence of Lockport as that typical American small town that prompted me to write this review. As I sit in thought on the idea, I am almost positive that Lockport’s recent resurgence as a great little small town is what made me think of Steel Magnolias. That, my friends, is a strong emotional association.

In Lockport, people know each other. In Steel Magnolias, everyone knew each other. It was set in a small town that actually acted like a small town, and I could appreciate that. The small town gatherings reminded me of what we used to have, and what we have brought back again. I guess you could say that I saw a lot of Lockport in Steel Magnolias and that is one of the reasons this movie resonated with me.

While I usually agree with all of the casting in the classics I review, I have to disagree with Dolly Parton being cast as Truvy Jones. I get the idea that Truvy is supposed to be the “outsider” of the group until the new outsider Annelle (played by Daryl Hannah) shows up, but something about Parton’s acting just falls flat for me. This was a full nine years after she had done 9 To 5 and I just was not feeling the emotion from her performance. When compared to the job the other actresses in the ensemble did, Parton stands out as being particularly flat (Ha! Insert bad Dolly Parton joke here.).

Yes, it is a chick flick. But it is also an emotional roller coaster that gets you to really care about what is going on with all of the characters. From a guy’s perspective, Steel Magnolias is just a really good movie with an excellent cast. The comedy is really funny, and the emotion is thick. My wife loves this movie too, but she mostly gets into the sappy parts of it which I just tended to ignore. Why is this a classic? Because it is a chick flick with something for everyone, and that is hard to find.

The National Weather Service calls for sunny skies today with a high near 43. Tonight, there's a chance of showers with a low around 34.

Tuesday offers showers with a high near 56 and a low around 44. Wednesday, there's a chance of showers with a high near 48 and a low around 34. Thursday brings a chance of snow showers with a high near 40 and a low around 33.

Friday will be partly sunny with a high near 46 and a low around 31. Saturday looks like it will be sunny with a high near 52 and a low around 34. Sunday: Sunny with a high near 53.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

ENP STAFF REPORTSnews@eastniagarapost.com
BUFFALO -- With today expected to contribute significantly to the anticipated $105 billion in online sales this holiday season, Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York offers advice on how to to shop savvy online to keep your holidays financially happy this year.

“We know the public will be shopping online, especially millennials, to save time, money and ship gifts around the globe,” said Warren Clark, president and CEO, BBB of Upstate New York. “History tells us not all online retailers are trustworthy so it’s important that shoppers remember to be careful: The Internet is rife with unscrupulous business practices that can separate shoppers from their money or steal their personal information. Some companies may not be able to deliver gifts in time for the holidays making it very important to check delivery and stock.”

Shoppers can prepare themselves for online shopping by watching ads and browsing for the items they’re seeking in advance. Many online sites have Cyber Monday deals advertised and it’s just the beginning. Unless you’re educated, it can be hard to tell whether an online deal actually will save you money. Consumers need to read a site’s policies for returns and understand shipping schedules before you enter your credit card number.

Protect your computer and smart device. Install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Check for and install the latest updates for your smart phone and tablets and run virus scans regularly.

Get savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots: Limit the type of business you conduct and adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your phone. When shopping or banking, check to be sure the site is security enabled. Look for web addresses with "https://" or "shttp://," which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. "Http://" is not secure.

Shop trustworthy websites: Look for BBB Accredited Business seals on websites and click to confirm that they’re valid. BBB dynamic seals will take you to a site’s BBB Business Review. You also may find Customer Reviews at bbb.org.

Protect personal information. Read a site’s privacy policy and understand what personal information is being requested and how it will be used. Don’t enter that information on unsolicited emails. If a site lacks a privacy policy, it could be a red flag that the site could sell your information without your permission.

Know the advertiser. Some of the best deals are only available online, but be careful. It’s easy for a fake site to mimic a famous retailer’s website, so make sure you are shopping with a legitimate site. Check out bbb.org to read more about stores or websites unfamiliar to you.

Beware of too-good-to-be-true deals. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails may display free or very low prices on hard-to-find items. There may be hidden costs or your purchase may sign you up for a monthly charge. Look for and read the fine print.

Beware of phishing. Legitimate businesses do not send emails claiming problems with an order, account or a package to lure the buyer into revealing financial information. If you receive such an email, BBB recommends that you pick up the phone and call the contact number on the website where the purchase was made to confirm a problem.

Pay with a credit card. Under federal law, you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive an item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are any unauthorized charges on the card, and many card issuers have zero-liability policies if someone steals and uses your card number. Check your credit card statement regularly for unauthorized charges. Never wire money to someone you don’t know.

Keep documentation of your order. Save a copy of the confirmation page of an order or emails confirming the order until you receive the item and are satisfied. Obtain a tracking number for shipments. If you need the product before the holidays, find out when the seller intends to ship it and, if possible, how it will be shipped. The tracking number can help you find a lost order.

Know your rights. Federal law requires that orders made by phone, mail or online be shipped by the date promised or within 30 days if no delivery time was stated. If goods aren’t shipped on time, shoppers can cancel and demand a refund. Consumers also may reject merchandise if it is defective or was misrepresented. IF you need help from BBB, contact themat info@upstatenybbb.org or call 800-828-5000.

Report a scam. If you spot a business or offer that sounds like an illegal scheme or fraud, report it through BBB’s Scam Tracker. They will investigate and warn others by reporting your experiences.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

For each cup of chili sold during the East Niagara Chili/Chowder Cookoff at Second Presbyterian, two people were fed -- the purchaser and the person their donation goes to help through the Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive.

More than 100 cups of chili were sold this afternoon at the church, 167 Van Buren St., meaning more than 100 jars of peanut butter, jelly and fluff can be given to needy kids and families in Western New York.

Tom's Diner took top prize in the restaurant chili category, narrowly edging out the Pleasant Valley Tavern.

In the amateur chili category, Sherrie Campbell's meaty chili scooped up the victory. Mark Edmister came in second and Mark Cooper followed in a close third.

Most patrons said each chili was delicious in its own right ... but each had a very unique flavor.

"The participants knocked it out of the park," Kenny Allore said. "My tummy is happy."

Tina Sheley and Traci Williams added baked goods to the mix with Sheley's frosted sprinkled brownies being the talk of the event.

The event was sponsored by East Niagara Post.

The Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive continues through Dec. 6. Jars can be dropped off at several area businesses.

Carl was a WWII Veteran in the Marine 2nd Division he fought in Saipan, and in battles in the South Pacific.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. John the Baptist, RC Church on Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 10 am family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Born in Newark, NJ, he was the son of the late Charles and Ethel Pace Allen. He served in the US Army from 1962 until 1964. Ira worked as a Control Room Operator at the NYSEG/AES Somerset Coal Plant. He was a member of the AARP, NRA and the North American Hunting Club. He enjoyed hunting and golf. Ira is predeceased by his wife Nancy (Decker) Allen, who passed away February 3, 2011.

Ira was the father of Lisa Anne Allen, Kimber Leigh Allen and Patrick Michael (Judy) Allen. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Michael Hixenbaugh, Megan Allen and Morgan Allen; great grandfather of Alexis Hixenbaugh, Camron and Kaydence Luke. He will be missed by his best friend and “Brother” Gary Augustine. Ira is predeceased by his brother, John Allen.

Friends may call Tuesday December 1st, 4-7 PM in Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, Inc., 242 Genesee Street, Lockport. Memorials to the American Diabetes Association, would be appreciated by the family.

TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- A 44-year-old Scovell Street woman was charged with displaying a forged/fictitious inspection sticker after a traffic stop by Niagara County Sheriff's deputies.

According to the NCSO report, Candi Sue Penwright was stopped on South Transit Road on Tuesday after a computer check by patrol showed that the vehicle she was driving didn't have a valid inspection sticker.

When patrol checked the sticker that was in the car's windshield, it was found to be forged.

Patrol removed the sticker and issued Penwright an apperance ticket for the fake sticker and a traffic ticket for not haing a valid inspection sticker. She is due in Town of Lockport Court Dec. 10

The National Weather Service calls for cloudy skies this morning then gradually becoming mostly sunny with a high near 37 and an overnight low around 26.

Monday will be sunny with a high near 43 and a low around 34. Tuesday brings showers with a high near 58 and a low around 42. Wednesday: Rain showers and possible snow showers with a high near 46 and a low around 33.

Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high near 43 and a low around 35. Friday: Partly sunny with a high near 45 and a low around 34. Saturday: Sunny with a high near 46.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

Telling my younger son that his beloved paternal grandmother had died was one of the toughest things I’ve ever had to do. There were tears, and tough questions, and days of raw emotions that aren’t going to go away any time soon.

Dealing with requests from my older son to “go see grandma” when he just doesn’t get it is even worse. Telling him that grandma isn’t there now just gets: “Go see grandma next week!” She’s always been there for him. How could this change? He does not understand.

I spent days going through photos for a slideshow at the wake. Eighty-some years’ worth of meticulously labeled photographs, showing a life well-lived. A happy childhood and youth, world travel as a young woman, marriage and family and happiness and loss. Here’s a photo with the first grandchild, my oldest niece. There are tears in her eyes. Here’s a photo of her cradling Jim in the NICU. Here she is, beaming, with small, cranky Sam.

There are Christmas photos, Mother’s Day photos, photos for no particular reason. Here she is reading to Jim ... he grows from a tiny toddler to a gangling pre-teen who barely fits on her lap. Here she is learning how to play MarioKart with Sam. (She was always up for a challenge.)

I am full of words. I have no words for this.

But this holiday season, hug your family members. Remember that life is short ... even when it’s long. And that none of us is promised the next breath we take. Things can change quickly. The most valuable thing of all is time, and the saddest thing is regret.

Remember that, this Christmas.

**

Our holiday traditions have changed year to year as the boys get older, but there’s one we maintain every Christmas season.

The Herschell Carrrousel Factory Museum in North Tonawanda will host its Santa on the Carrousel event from noon to 3 p.m. the next three Saturdays at the museum at 180 Thompson St. The cost is $6 per person. There are crafts and games and snacks, and Santa Claus himself rides the carrousel while listening to children’s Christmas requests. Each day also has a special show or performance at 1 p.m.
Those who wish to have lunch with Santa can opt for $10 tickets that include an 11 a.m. to noon meal and admission to the afternoon festivities. Registration and prepayment is required for lunch with Santa. Visit carrouselmuseum.org for more information.

The East Niagara Chili/Chowder Cookoff will be held from 1-4 p.m. at the Second Presbyterian Church on Van Buren Street aims to raise funds for the annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive.

Five eateries have signed on for the event -- Lock 34, Cream & Sugar Cafe, Candle Nook Cafe, Tom's Diner, and the Pleasant Valley Tavern. They're joined by five individuals, each sharing their own take on the area's perfect chili or chowder in hopes of being awarded the title "East Niagara's Best Chili" (or chowder)

Participants are donating their product, which will be "sold" to hungry customers for $1 -- or a jar of peanut butter, jelly or marshmallow fluff -- per cup. Proceeds will go the 6th Annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Drive.

In addition to the chili and chowder, there will be baked good for sale during the event.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

By +Scott Lefflerscott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com
It's no hyperbole to say that Lockport hasn't had a day like Saturday in a long time. Between the events at Cornerstone CFCU Arena and downtown, there was more to take in than possible.

People watch a production in front of the Historic Palace Theatre -- part of

Saturday night's parade.

Hockey Day in Lockport offered wall-to-arena-wall of events all day long, while Light Up Lockport festivities filled city streets in the morning, afternoon and evening with Lockportians in the Christmas spirit. Thousands turned out for both day-long events.

Hockey Day in Lockport brought people in from across the country, home to see the new arena for the first time ... to watch and play hockey. Games took to the ice beginning at 8 a.m. and not finishing until nearly 9 p.m. Eight games were played, in addition to the very important celebrations held honoring Lockport's own Ted Darling and making a near-perfect announcement regarding the arena -- that the second rink would be named after William R. Kenan -- the same William R. Kenan whose name is on the long-remembered Kenan Arena, where hockey was played for so many years.

The William R. Kenan Jr. Charitable Trust donated $1.2 million to the Lockport Ice Arena and Sports Center Inc., the non-profit organization that owns and operates Cornerstone Arena, for the naming rights to the rink, making "Kenan" synonymous with hockey once again.

Fans cheered the announcement, as well as the arrival at the arena of Buffalo Sabres' broadcaster Rick Jeanneret, who visited Cornerstone Arena for the first time and marveled at the scope of the city's new complex. Jeanneret came to say a few words about his old friend Ted Darling before a banner was hoisted to the southwest wall of the arena's main rink. Jeanneret reminded the crowd that in his mind, Darling would always be "the voice of the Sabres."

NASHVILLE -- Sam Reinhart was enough to be the Nashville Predators Saturday night. But he wasn't alone in scoring, as the Sabres beat the Predators 4-1.

Nashville got the first goal, a power play goal by Mike Fisher at 11:42 of the first period, assisted by James Neal.

From there, it was all Buffalo. Jamie McGinn tied the game at 13:09 of the second period. Ryan O'Reilly and Cody Franson assisted on his power play goal. Sam Reinhart added another power play goal at 16:13, assisted by Matt Moulson and David Legwand.

It was Reinhart again 58 seconds into the third period, assisted by Jake McCabe and Evander Kane. And then O'Reilly closed out the scoring at 17:47. Kane assisted on the empty-netter.

The Sabres next play the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- The Niagara County Sheriff's Office responded to a series of car and garage break-ins in Carlisle Gardens earlier this week, leading to NCSO to put out an alert on the subject.

Further details on the break-ins are now coming to light:

On Sunday night, patrol responded to a Windermere Road address for a report of someone who broke into a garage and stole a set of car keys valued at $150.

Monday morning, patrol responded to a Windermere Road address for a report of a pair of bicycles stolen from the home's carport overnight. One of the bicycles was found in a neighbor's yard, but the second remains missing. The 17-inch blue Diamondback-Edgewood bike is valued at $275.

On Monday morning, patrol responded to a Grasmere Road address for the report of $200 missing from a car.

Monday afternoon, patrol responded to a Grasmere Road address, where the homeowner said someone had entered his garage and rummaged through his vehicles, although nothing appeared to have been removed.

Today is the day that hockey fans have been counting down to -- Hockey Day in Lockport at Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union Arena.

The day will be filled with nine full hockey games, several smaller games, a figure skating demonstration, free family skating, a free learn-to-skate program, a commemorative ceremony to former Voice of the Sabres - Ted Darling, Howell Motors Hockey Hall of Fame inductee announcements, off-ice fun and games and more. It all starts at 8 a.m with a hungry hockey player pancake breakfast, which runs until noon. The full lineup is below:

8:00 a.m. Hungry hockey player pancake breakfast (until noon)

8:00 a.m.: 6U Jamboree

10:00 a.m.: Lake Effect Squirt League game

12:00 p.m. LHS Junior Varsity game

12:00 p.m. Off ice family fun activities (until 5 p.m.)

1:30 p.m.: Lockport Alumni "Rookie" game

3:00 p.m.: Ted Darling, Howell Motors Hall of Fame ceremony

3:00 p.m.: Free family skate

3:10 p.m.: Lockport Alumni "Vintage" game

5:00 p.m.: LHS Varsity game

5:30 p.m.: Figure skating showcase

6:30 p.m.: Learn-To-Skate

7:00 p.m.: Lockport Express Junior A game

7:30 p.m.: Sledge hockey game

Plus the Cornerstone CFCU Arena Lock Monster, Rudolph, Frosty, and elves will be on hand throughout the day.

The National Weather Service calls for patchy drizzle and isolated showers this morning, otherwise it will be cloudy, with a high near 40 and an overnight low around 24.

Sunday will be sunny with a high near 40 and a low around 25. Monday will also be sunny with a high near 41 and a a low around 30. Tuesday, rain is likely with a high near 54 and a low around 37.

Wednesday, morning showers are likely with a high near 44 and a low around 31. Thursday, there's a chance of rain and snow showers with a high near 43 and a low around 31. Friday will be mostly cloudy with a high near 45.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

BUFFALO -- The Buffalo Sabres convincingly beat the Carolina Hurricanes by a score of 4-1 Friday night. Jack Eichel netted his eighth goal of the season on the Sabres win.

Josh Gorges started the scoring for the home team at 8:57 of the first period, assisted by Rasmus Ristolainen and Jamie McGinn.

Victor Rask tied it for Carolina at 4:59 of the second period, assisted by Eric Staal and Elias Lindholm. From there, it was all Buffalo. Eichel's goal came at 12:24 of the second period -- unassisted. Brian Gionta put the Sabres up 3-1 with just 23 seconds to go in the second period. Matt Moulson heped on the goal.

In the third period, David Legwand made it 4-1 with help from Jamie McGinn and Tim Schaller.

Sabres netminder Chad Johnson stopped 27 of 28 shots on the night.

The Sabres, now 9-12-2, play the Nashville Predators tonight in Nashville.

NOTES:

With tonight's win, the Sabres improved to 20-7-3 all-time on the day after Thanksgiving, including an 18-6-3 record in home games and a 9-1-1 record since 2003.

The Sabres now have wins in consecutive matchups against the Hurricanes for the first time since March 21, 2010 and Jan. 13, 2011.

After tonight's game, Jack Eichel was tied for the rookie lead in goals and also tied for seventh in the NHL with seven home goals.

Josh Gorges scored his first goal as a member of the Sabres with his first goal in 130 games (last: Oct. 12, 2013 at VAN).

Gorges now has a point in consecutive games for the first time since Feb. 27 and March 1, 2014.

With his assist on the Gorges goal, Rasmus Ristolainen has nine points (3+6) in his last 10 games and is now on pace for 50 points this season.

If he were to reach the 50-point mark, Ristolainen would be the first Sabres defenseman with 50 points in a season since Garry Galley (1995-96) and the youngest to reach that mark since Phil Housley.

Brian Gionta's goal extended his point streak against Carolina to four games (3+2).

With an assist on Gionta's goal, Matt Moulson now has 19 points (6+13) in his last 15 games against the Hurricanes.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

APPLETON -- The Town of Somerset Historical Society will hold its annual Victorian Christmas Open House from 1 - 4 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Babcock Cobblestone Museum, 7449 Lake Road -- west of the power plant.

The house will be decorated in traditional Victorian Christmas fashion, complete with an ornately adorned Christmas tree, antique toys, and model trains whistling through a village setting.

Christmas music will be played throughout the afternoon on the antique pump organ and guests are invited to sing along to their favorite Christmas carols. Biscuits will be baking in the beehive oven while fresh butter for the biscuits is being churned. Young and old may want to push the plunger up and down to help churn the cream into butter.

There will be horse drawn wagon rides, hot chocolate, cookies and punch, and -- of course -- Santa Claus.

The event is free.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

Hockey Day in Lockport will truly be one of the most exciting, fun-filled days in Lockport for the new millennium.

With nine hockey games to watch, free ice skating, a figure skating demonstration, family fun, tasty food, fan giveaways and more, Hockey Day in Lockport promises to squeeze more action into 12 hours than any day Lockport has seen in a long time.

Born in Chicago, IL on January 15th, 1923 to Martin and Edith (Erickson) Swanson. Mary is predeceased by her husband, James Harold. She was a true matriarch and her family was her greatest treasure. Her legacy will carry on with her children Carolyn (Jerry) Leibring, Brian (Laurie) Costello, Patricia (Donald) Campbell and her grandchildren Eric (Pam) Leibring, Danielle (Josh) Pomeroy, Jennifer (Brian) Stevens, Erin Costello, Michael Costello, Ian (Lindsey) Campbell, Lindsay Campbell (Scott Schiffman), Allison (Vinny) Granata and seven great grandchildren. Mary was predeceased by her brothers Paul and Frederick Swanson and is survived by her sister and best friend, Patricia Koger and sister-in-law Bert Swanson as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary was one of the first employees at Inter-Community Memorial Hospital, retiring in 1985 as the medical record librarian. She was an avid Bridge and Scrabble player and had a passion for music which included her love of playing the piano, organ, and autoharp, singing with the Sweet Adelines, and directing a men’s chorus. Her love of music is clearly carried on through her family singing at every opportunity possible.

Mary will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, kind spirit, and infectious laugh.

Friends and family may call Monday November 30th 4-7pm at Rutland-Corwin Funeral Home, 2670 N Main St, Newfane. A Celebration of her Life will be held on Tuesday December 1st at 10am at St Brendan on the Lake (formerly St. Charles Borromeo Church) 5972 Main Street, Olcott, burial immediately following. Those wishing may donate to The Multiple Sclerosis Society, www.msupstateny.org, 4245 Union Rd., Ste 108, Buffalo.

Born in Lockport on February 28, 1939 he was the son of Sebastiano “Ben” and Antoinette “Nettie” (Truscio) Faraci. Charles served in the US Army and worked for Harrison radiator where he was in stock chasing. He was known to have a great sense of humor, always known for cracking jokes and was a member of the First English Lutheran Church, B. Leo Dolan, VFW, Redman and Elks. Charles enjoyed bowling and was a fan of NY Yankees and the Buffalo Bills. He was predeceased by his wife Claire (Andrezejewski) Faraci on February 24, 2002.

Charles is survived by his son Charles Faraci of Lockport; two grandson Antonio and Dominic Faraci; four sisters Jay (Michael) Glynn, Rose (Michael) Corrieri, Sally (late Daniel) Castle all of Lockport, and Mamie (Mohamed) Dahroug of Painted Post; also several nieces and nephews.

TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- A 35-year-old Lockport woman was given numerous tickets Wednesday including Driving While Intoxicated, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Consumption of Alcoholic Beverage in a Motor Vehicle and Unsafe Backing.

According to New York State Police, Kristen L. Walp backed into a parked car in the Tops parking lot and proceeded to leave the scene. The owners of the parked car called 911 and followed her to her residence in the City of Lockport. Troopers detected the strong odor of alcohol coming from Walp. She was administered and failed the SFST’s and was transported to SP Lockport for processing. Walp refused to take the breath test.

Walp was arraigned in the Town of Lockport Court and remanded to Niagara County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000.00 bail. Walp is scheduled to appear in the Town of Lockport Court on December 3, 2015, the City of Lockport on November 30, 2015 and Niagara Falls DMV Court on December 7, 2015.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

She was born in Lockport, NY July 5, 1932, the daughter of the late Edward and Irene Geier Oldenburg. Donna was a active member of Miller Hose Co. Ladies Auxiliary for 55 years where she held many positions in the Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing Bingo, camping and art coloring.

Family and friends may call at the RUTLAND-CORWIN FUNERAL HOME, INC. 2670 Main St. Newfane, NY MONDAY from 9:00 - 11:00 AM where funeral services will be held at 11:OO AM. Inurnment will be in Corwin Cemetery at the convenience of the family. Memorials to Miller Hose Co. Ladies Auxiliary PO Box 99 Newfane, NY would be appreciated by the family.

TOWN OF LOCKPORT -- A Longcroft Drive man told Niagara County Sheriff's deputies that someone stole a $75 box of candy bars from his wife's car earlier this week.

According the the report filed with NCSO, the man said someone went through his car sometime late Sunday or early Monday, as well, but that nothing appeared to have been taken. He also noted that the candy thief neglected to take a $10 bill that had been inside his wife's car. The glove box and center console of both vehicles had been rummaged thru with some of the property being thrown on through out the vehicle. Several other unlocked vehicles in the neighborhood had also been entered overnight with nothing being removed.

The complainant told patrol that he was outside walking the dog every couple of hours during the night and didn't notice anything suspicious.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

The National Weather Service calls for periods of rain today with a high near 62 again and an overnight low of around 34.

Saturday will be partly cloudy with a high of only 40 and an overnight low around 25. Sunday will be sunny with a high near 4 and a low around 26. Monday will be mostly sunny with a high near 44 and a low around 33.

Tuesday, showers are likely with a high near 53 and a low around 39. Wednesday, there's a chance of showers with a high near 45 and a low around 30. Thursday: Mostly cloudy with a high near 42.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

ENP STAFF REPORTSnews@eastniagarapost.com
APPLETON -- The annual Lighting of the Manor will be held at the Winery at Marjim Manor on Sunday, with festivities beginning at noon and running until 5 p.m.

Get your wine label personalized for free Sunday at the

Winery at Marjim Manor. (CONTRIBUTED)

The public is invited to join in as they officially light the dozen or more Christmas Trees and the myriad of Chanukah Menorahs at the winery.

They will also kick off their hat/mitten/scarf drive and continue collecting for the annual Peanut Butter and Jelly drive. Anyone who brings an item for the tree or a jar of peanut butter or jelly
will get their wine tasting for free.

There will be craft projects and Kim Seddon will pay Christmas carols for the sing-a-long. Santa has been rumored to attend to hear visitor's holiday wishes.

Penguin Wants Attention, the winery's scavenger hunt, will continue as well. Find penguin, fill in a card and be entered into the daily drawing.

Also to make your holiday gifts unique, various wines will be personalized on the spot. For example, 100 Windows can be renamed Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad or other holiday greetings; initials on the tree can be changed for the Applely Ever After. Once Upon a Time, their sparkling apple, can also be personalized in many ways; your favorite Lord or Lady can be put on the Lord or Lady of the Manor wine; and the cat on the Cat’s Meow can be changed to your special pet’s visage. Usually $5 a label, they will be free between noon and 5 p.m.

As an added bonus, tell the winery where you heard about the event and they'll double the discount on your wine purchases.

The Lockport Family YMCA & Camp Kenan is again hosting a “Tree of Warmth,” to collected warm clothes for those who need them.

The tree, located in the adult lobby of the Lockport Family YMCA, started off bare but soon be filled and decorated with mittens, gloves, scarves, knit hats, and ear muffs, which will be donated to local community missions and area charities on Dec. 18.

The YMCA asks that all items be clean and in good or new condition. Handmade knit and crochet mittens, gloves, scarves, and hats are also welcome.

All items can be dropped off at the Lockport Family YMCA on 19 East Ave.

Members of the DeSales Catholic School Girls Running Club, named “DCS Gotta Blast” by its middle school members are preparing for their first 5K.

The team has been meeting weekly since September to build up to run in the Historic Palace’s Tacky Sweater 5K on Saturday. In addition to the running, their training has included learning more about health and wellness and discussing self esteem.

Seventh-grade student Delaney Adams said, “I didn’t think I’d like running, but through this club it is fun. We all encourage, help and cheer one another on.”

With the physical fitness part down, the girls have been working on decorating their “tacky” sweaters -- or in this case old DeSales sweatshirts.

This running club has about 20 members and is being overseen by DeSales teachers and alumni, Cathy Fraass and Karen Rahill.

DeSales is Eastern Niagara County’s only Catholic School, welcoming students of all faiths in Pre-School through Eighth grade. For more information call 433-4870, visit www.desalescatholicschool.org or attend their Open House from noon to 2 p.m. Jan. 31.

East Niagara Post is the official media sponsor of Hockey Day in Lockport.

Ronald Lynn Branch, 74, passed away on November 24, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at the Niagara Hospice House.

He endured several years of chronic debilitating illness. He retired from Harrison Radiator after 32 years. He was a long time supporter of Ransomville Speedway, for years if not fielding a car in the sportsmen ranks he could be found in the mix enjoying the atmosphere. He liked people and enjoyed socializing at local coffee shops. He will be missed by many.

He was the son of the late Cliff and Mary Branch. He was the brother to David (Verna) Branch. He leaves Behind his wife of 52 yrs, Judy Richards Branch. He was cherished by his daughters Jodie (Mike) Jeffrey and Sandy (Rich) Williams, his grandchildren were the light in his life, Connor and Rachael Williams. He was also Papa Ron to Greg, Jeffrey, Kayla and Alex Jeffrey. Ron is also a son in law to Jean Richards and the late Duane Richards and brother in law to Ron (Catherine) Richards.

Family and friends may call at the RUTLAND-CORWIN FUNERAL HOME, INC. 2670 Main St. Newfane, NY on SUNDAY 2 - 7PM. A Memorial Service will be held on MONDAY at 11AM at the Hess Rd. Wesleyan Church 2514 Hess Rd. Appleton, NY 14008. In lieu of flowers, donations to Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Dr. Lockport, NY 14094 would be appreciated by the family.